The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant (Air Corps) Ronald W. Hilken (ASN: 0-431435), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action in the South Pacific Area while serving as a Pilot of a P-38 Lightning Fighter Airplane of the 68th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force in the Pacific Theater of Operations, on or about 5 January 1943. As a pilot of one of a flight of eight P-38 fighter airplanes on a mission escorting bombers when intercepted by 25 enemy fighters, Lieutenant Hilken and the flight fought courageously to protect the bombers. The enemy broke off the battle because of the aggressive tactics of the flight and the bombers reached their target and successfully completed their mission. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Hilken, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.